Phone Suggestions for Disabled Friend? - $500

AydenFX on 18/07/2022 - 10:08

Without devolving much into my mates disability I'm trying to find a phone that has:

  • Good durability in case of drops (Looking at you glass phone backs) & spills
  • Big screen (not tablet big but bigger, you know, for an older person who will need the text settings turned up anyway)
  • Wont be slow as a snail for another 3-4 years.
  • Cheaper or easier to fix if things broke e.g the screen or battery
  • Apple or Android
  • Refurbished or New, doesn't matter.
  • Budget of $500.

The user will be:
- Scrolling social medias
- Playing games
- Video calls
- Texting / calls etc..

While I do my research, I'd love to hear everyone's suggestions.

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • utsc on 18/07/2022 - 10:17
    +2

    iPhone 11 or GalaxyS21 or S22 FE which might be around $600

    Most phones use similar components so serviceability is similar

    Don't buy a used phone unless you know its used carefully and is in good condition

    • AydenFX on 18/07/2022 - 10:28

      Thoughts on refurbished? E.g Boost, coles, amazon?

  • Kangal on 18/07/2022 - 10:42
    +3

    For Durability, install a thick rubber case.
    For size, get something with a large screen and change the DPI option from the Settings.
    For repairs, forget about it, it is a disposable economy.
    For $500 and Speed, you're going to have to compromise on other things like Camera, OS build, or other corner-cuts.

    What phones were you considering?

    • kerfuffle on 18/07/2022 - 10:43
      +1

      For Durability, install a thick rubber case.

      e.g. Otterbox

      • AydenFX on 18/07/2022 - 10:44

        Thank you!

    • AydenFX on 18/07/2022 - 10:44
      1. That's the plan.
      2. Yep!
      3. Alright, thought maybe there was some data/trends around android vs iphones with repair costs.
      4. Cull the camera, seems like camers have peaked for the the every day consumer and this person wont be able to tell the difference. OS build, id probably be looking as close to stock android as possible if android. What other corner cuts are we talking about?

      iPhone XR as of right now.

      • Kangal on 18/07/2022 - 17:44
        +1

        (sorry, I'm usually the resident expert when it comes to phones, but feeling sick atm)

        In terms of iPhones, look at anything with an A13-Bionic chipset (iPhone 11) or higher.
        For Android, here are the chipsets it should have (lowest to fastest):
        QSD 855, QSD 855+, QSD 860, QSD 778, QSD 780, QSD 865, QSD 865+, QSD 870, QSD 888, QSD 888+, QC 8g1, QC 8g1+.
        …I wouldn't really bother with other chipsets like Tegra, HiSilicon, MediaTek, or Exynos. Snapdragon have much better drivers and long-term support.

        In terms of New vs Used vs Refurbished:
        Go for a Used model. If the battery dies, who cares, goto one of those phone shops and pay $50-$100 and get it replaced. This will void the Water Resistance. However the manufacturers have now stated the IP67-IP69 rating is temporary and wears off with normal use, and they will not honour warranty for water damage. So you're basically losing something you didn't have.

        So there are a few options you can look for.

        • Kangal on 18/07/2022 - 18:16
          +1

          There's the:
          - $409 for 128GB - Samsung A52-s - Q2 2024 updates
          - $569 for 128GB - Samsung A73 - Q1 2025 updates
          - $597 for 128GB - Samsung S20fe - Q4 2023 updates
          - $699 for 512GB - Samsung S10+ - Q1 2022 updates
          - $569 for 128GB - Google Pixel 4XL - Q4 2022 updates

          As said before, use a thick protective case, and change the settings to make text and things larger. Shop for the products on OzBargain, Gumtree, eBay, Amazon, JB Hifi, Officeworks, TheGoodGuys, etc etc. You should be able to find one of the recommended options, within your budget.

          I've listed the phones in order of best to worst, from my perspective, but you can't go wrong with any of the options. Personally I would get the Samsung A52-s, Spigen ThinFit case, Tempered Glass Protector, and a 512GB microSD card, all for a total $500 budget. From the sounds of things, the Pixel 4XL, Screen Protector, and Rugged Case for around $600 (give or take) might be a better fit for you. Google's software is quiet buggy and somewhat bloated, but its generally clean and the long-term support is what you're looking for (there's unofficial support in xda). The Samsung options have a very robust OS with the OneUI platform, and they offer 3-years of updates, so they've come a long way. These are much better than what you would get out of an Oppo or Xiaomi. So I'm not recommending the likes of the Redmi Poco F4-GT, or Poco F3, or the Moto Edge 20, while they do offer good bang-for-buck.

          • AydenFX on 19/07/2022 - 10:31

            @Kangal: Thank you for all your work mate.

            I normally only hard research phones when I have to buy one, never really keep up with them until I need to.

            I appreciate all of that.

            Could not find any a52-s or a52s in stock or for that low price. However could find a53 for $500 as he only has funding for $600 and will need a case + extra charger cord + probably a shitty dongle for the non-existent headphone jack. Will be going with that.

            Thanks lad.

            • Kangal on 19/07/2022 - 11:52

              @AydenFX: I'd look into Used Market too.

              Just beware, the A53 costs more than the A52s, has a much slower processor, and it removed the 3.5mm headphone jack. Even though it's newer/successor, it's a downgrade. That's why I linked the website for their specifications.

              I'd suggest any of the other options, before the A53. The A73 might be the right fit for you, and it should be stocked up.

  • jv on 18/07/2022 - 11:11
    +3

    Phone Suggestions for Disabled Friend? - $500

    Something like this and spend the rest of your budget on a good, protective case…

    (sales ends tomorrow)

    • utsc on 18/07/2022 - 21:22

      Thats a bad deal

      • jv on 18/07/2022 - 21:53

        Why?

        It includes a 1 year warranty.

  • Bid Sniper on 18/07/2022 - 11:40
    +1

    Samsung A32 with a silicon case

  • JimmyF on 18/07/2022 - 13:25
    +1

    Samsung A53 + rubber case + enabling the 'easy mode' launcher to bump up the sizes of everything.

    Most Samsung bloat can be removed or hidden. You can lock the home screen icon layout etc. So handy for those who have a bit of trouble so they don't move icons around.

    Install config Anydesk, note down the ID for future remote 'help' requests.

  • utsc on 18/07/2022 - 21:28

    Currently Available: Apple iPhone 11 - 64GB $647
    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/iphone-11-…

    Sold out but similar deals might come up
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 128GB (Phantom Grey) $624 with Bonus $100 Harvey Norman Gift Card
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/703483

    If you can wait don't be in a rush to buy 4 year old refurb XR for $400

  • utsc on 20/07/2022 - 09:23

    Google Pixel 6a 5G $749 ($499 with $250 JB Bonus Trade-in Offer) + Delivery @ JB Hi-Fi
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/713980

    C&P comments from bargainsgrabber

    $250 is a bonus + whatever your phone value is (phone trade-in value has to be min $10)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join